bedsheet

IPA/ˈbed ʃiːt/
IPA/ˈbed ʃiːt/

bedsheet — noun

  • bedsheetsingular
  • bedsheetsplural

1. a rectangular piece of cloth, usually cotton or a cotton blend, placed on a bed

1.nounA2
Definition

a rectangular piece of cloth, usually cotton or a cotton blend, placed on a bed as a layer for lying on or covering the body during sleep

Example

The hotel cleaner changed the bedsheets before the new guests arrived.

collocation: change the bedsheets

Feng prefers cotton bedsheets in summer because they feel cooler against the skin.

Common collocations
  • change the bedsheets
  • clean / fresh bedsheets
  • cotton / linen / satin bedsheets
  • a set of bedsheets
  • white / patterned bedsheets
Synonyms
  • sheet

    most common shorter form; 'bedsheet' is more precise but often simplified to 'sheet' in everyday speech

Antonyms
  • blanket

    blankets are thicker and used mainly for warmth, whereas bedsheets are thin and used as a base layer

Usage Note

Bedsheets usually come in pairs: a fitted bottom sheet with elastic corners and a flat top sheet. In everyday conversation, 'sheet' on its own normally means 'bedsheet'.

Common Mistakes

I need a thicker bedsheet for winter.
I need a thicker blanket for winter.
Bedsheets are thin cloth layers; blankets provide warmth.

2. the bottom sheet that goes directly over the mattress, often sewn with elastic a

2.nounB1
Definition

the bottom sheet that goes directly over the mattress, often sewn with elastic at the corners so it stays in place

Example

The fitted bedsheet wraps around the mattress corners with elastic.

fitted bedsheet + elastic corners

Adisa pulled the bottom bedsheet tight so there were no wrinkles.

Common collocations
  • fitted bedsheet
  • bottom bedsheet
  • deep-pocket bedsheet
  • elastic corners
  • pull the bedsheet tight
Synonyms
  • fitted sheet

    the standard term; emphasises the elastic-corner design

  • bottom sheet

    emphasises position rather than construction

Antonyms
  • top sheet

    the flat sheet placed above the bottom sheet and below the blanket

Usage Note

In casual speech, 'bedsheet' alone may refer to either the top or bottom sheet. If you need to be precise, say 'fitted sheet' or 'bottom sheet' for this sense.

Common Mistakes

The bedsheet is too small for the mattress.' (when referring to a fitted sheet that does not match mattress depth).
The fitted sheet is too shallow for this mattress.
Specify 'fitted sheet' when discussing size and fit.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

'Sheet' is by far the most common word; it is a shortening of 'bedsheet' and works in any context — buying, washing, changing, or sleeping on a sheet. 'Bedlinen' is a broader category that covers sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers together; you would use it when shopping for a coordinated set or discussing hotel laundry services. 'Linen' is ambiguous: it can refer to the fabric (flax cloth) or to bedlinen collectively. When people say 'I bought new linen', they usually mean bedsheets, but the same word also describes a type of tablecloth or napkin. For everyday use, 'sheet' is the clearest and most natural choice. Example: 'I changed the sheets this morning' sounds natural, whereas 'I changed the bedlinen this morning' sounds like a hotel employee speaking.

sheet ↗bedlinenlinen ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • set of bedsheets
  • pair of bedsheets
  • fresh bedsheets

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishEnglish

'Bedsheet' is a compound formed from 'bed' (a piece of furniture for sleeping) and 'sheet' (a piece of cloth). 'Sheet' comes from Old English 'scēte', meaning a piece of cloth, and 'bed' from Old English 'bedd'. The compound has been used since the 15th century.

First known use

15th century

15th century, in the meaning defined above